How do you optimize the placement of workbenches to cover large building areas?

Optimizing the placement of workbenches in Valheim is essential for efficiently covering large building areas while minimizing resource waste. Workbenches are required to construct and repair structures, and their radius of influence determines where you can build. Each workbench has a circular area of effect with a radius of 20 meters, meaning you can build within this range as long as the workbench is active. To maximize coverage, you need to strategically place workbenches so their areas overlap slightly, ensuring no gaps in your building zone.\n\nTo begin, craft a workbench using 10 wood. Place it in the center of your intended building area. Use the hammer tool to visualize the workbench''s radius by attempting to build at the edges of its range. This will help you identify the exact boundaries. Once you''ve marked the perimeter, move 20 meters away from the edge of the first workbench''s range and place a second workbench. This ensures the two workbenches'' areas overlap slightly, providing continuous coverage.\n\nFor large structures, such as castles or sprawling bases, you may need multiple workbenches. A common strategy is to place workbenches in a grid pattern, spacing them 40 meters apart (center to center). This spacing ensures full coverage without excessive overlap. For example, if you''re building a long wall or a large hall, place workbenches along the length of the structure at regular intervals. This method is particularly useful in the Meadows biome, where flat terrain makes it easier to measure distances.\n\nIn uneven terrain, such as the Black Forest or Mountains, workbench placement can be trickier. Use the hoe tool to level the ground before placing workbenches, ensuring their areas of effect are consistent. If you''re building on a slope, consider placing workbenches at different elevations to cover the entire structure. For example, if you''re constructing a multi-level base, place a workbench on each floor to ensure full coverage.\n\nOne common challenge is protecting workbenches from enemy attacks. Workbenches can be destroyed by creatures like Greydwarfs or Trolls, disrupting your building progress. To prevent this, enclose your workbenches in small, fortified structures. Use wood or stone walls and a roof to shield them. Additionally, place campfires or torches nearby to deter hostile creatures. This is especially important in biomes like the Swamp or Plains, where enemies are more aggressive.\n\nAnother tip is to use workbench upgrades, such as the chopping block or tanning rack, to extend their functionality. While these upgrades don''t increase the workbench''s range, they allow you to craft advanced items without needing additional workbenches. This saves resources and reduces clutter in your building area. For example, if you''re building a large base in the Plains biome, you can use upgraded workbenches to craft high-tier items like padded armor or black metal tools without needing multiple stations.\n\nFinally, consider using portals to connect distant workbenches. If you''re working on a massive project, such as a village or a network of outposts, portals allow you to quickly travel between workbenches without running long distances. This is particularly useful in the late game when you''re managing multiple bases across different biomes. For example, you can place a portal near a workbench in the Mountains to transport resources like silver or obsidian back to your main base.\n\nIn summary, optimizing workbench placement involves careful spacing, terrain management, and protection strategies. By following these steps, you can efficiently cover large building areas, save resources, and ensure your structures are safe from enemy attacks. Whether you''re a new player building your first home or an experienced Viking constructing a sprawling fortress, these tips will help you make the most of your workbenches.